You got me interested in your writings by comparing western empire to the former Soviet Union. I had read about peak oil prior to this but couldn't shake the dystopian-science-fiction patina until I heard your more matter-of-fact explanations on this. Since then, you've helped keep me stay(?) sane with clear perspective, practical advice and biting black humor. I've taken many of your words to heart, most recently on the value of a gifting economy and getting back to it. Thank you.

Conversely, Jensen has compellingly compared civilization to an abusive spouse and battered family. Like you, he cites the experiences of his youth with a clarity that moves me. I'm slogging through End Game because I don't want to sail away. I've chosen a small town with decent (for now) people and infrastructure that has a shot at sustainability as the world radically simplifies. Sure, I'm preparing on a personal level, and much of that is learning to adapt. But I want to "help", to "care", and perhaps help others adapt. While I'm not off blowing up dams as Jensen may wish of me, it's his genuine compassion that helps me to keep caring when my robot voice chants, "F*** it!"

Have you scanned Jensen's writing or ideas? Just curious about that. But more importantly, you too obviously care about your readers such that you bother to blog. Not to be rude. I'd like to know. Why? For Jensen, it's the natural environment of the Northwest, especially salmon. What can you offer in the way of inspiration? Thanks again.

Friday 22 July 2011 07:22:49 pm

Dmitry Orlov

I've flipped around Jensen's two-volume set, and didn't encounter anything that I would violently disagree with. He seems genuine. I do have a problem with fat books, though — both writing and reading them. That's why I kept mine relatively short.

I also have a problem with advocating a plan of action. I constantly feel like running after people and saying: "Stop. Wait. Listen." "Listen to what?" "No, you don't get it, just listen. Your head is making too much noise."

The big issue with fat books is that they take a lot of time away from life. If you want to read a fat book, read Tolstoy or Dostoyevsky, or Proust — there's been enough "lost time" already. Why waste even more time thinking about a future that may not even happen.

I don't advocate a fast crash, or any sort of crash, but I do see it as a happier outcome than a "slow burn" that leaves behind a largely uninhabitable planet. I think that it is valid to want to bear witness to what's happening, but attempting to change the outcome is an exercise in megalomania.

Friday 22 July 2011 08:46:56 pm

Xander Knox

A movement is growing based on the book, co-authored by Derrick Jensen, called Deep Green Resistance: Strategy to Save the Planet. Deep Green Resistance has a plan of action for anyone determined to fight for this planet-and win. If you're inspired by Derrick’s work, then here’s where the solutions are. The time for action is now. Now this war has two sides…

98% of the old growth forests are gone. 99% of of the prairies are gone. 80% of the rivers on this planet do not support life anymore. We are out of species, we are out soil, and we are out of time. And what we are being told by most of the environmental movement is that the way to stop all of this is through personal consumer choices. It’s time for a real strategy that truly addresses the scope of our predicament.

Where is your threshold for resistance? To take only one variable out of hundreds: Ninety percent of the large fish in the oceans are already gone. Is it 91 percent? 92? 93? 94? Would you wait till they had killed off 95 percent? 96? 97? 98? 99? How about 100 percent? Would you fight back then?

The good ones have been as good as silent for too long. We’re tired of ineffective, symbolic acts – piecemeal, reactive, and sad. Now our despair and anger can be matched by an even deeper joy, beyond compare, the joy of beginning to fight back, effectively. We are pleased to announce the formation of DGR Action Groups worldwide. Take the first step and join the resistance.